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. 2019 Jul-Sep;12(3):222-226.
doi: 10.5935/1984-0063.20190081.

Increase in the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea in elderly people

Glenda Ernst  1   2 , Javier Mariani  1 , Magali Blanco  3 , Barbara Finn  4 , Alejandro Salvado  2 , Eduardo Borsini  2   3
Affiliations

Increase in the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea in elderly people

Glenda Ernst et al. Sleep Sci. 2019 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases with age. However, older adults have limited perception of the symptoms related with poor sleep quality.

Objectives: To know the frequency and characteristics of age-related OSA in a large population with clinical suspicion of sleep apnea.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study. OSA was studied by respiratory polygraphy (RP). Patients were grouped by age (G): GI was between 18-45; GII: 46-65 and GIII > 65 years old. Other demographic characteristics, symptoms and RP indicators were compared. Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) was used to analyze symptoms.

Results: We included 2491 patients with sleep apnea symptoms. OSA frequency (AHI > 15) in each group was 33.2 % in GI; 45.8 in GII and 50.3 in GIII (p < 0.001). Despite the significant increase in OSA severity, GIII group reported fewer symptoms (ESS: 6.0; p < 0.001). Multivariate adjusted analysis showed that the odds ratio of having OSA is three times as high at age > 65 (OR: 3.32 (2.29 - 4.88) p < 0.001).

Conclusions: As in previous reports, OSA prevalence in our population was higher among the elderly. The early identification of this syndrome in a population with poor perception of symptoms would aid to improve patient management.

Keywords: Adult; Aged; Sleep Apnea Syndromes; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive.

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Conflict of interest statement

8.3. Disclosure Statement The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. 8.3. Disclosure Statement The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
ESS analyzed by age group.
Figure 2
Figure 2
RP indicators related analyzed by group of age. A) Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI); B) Oxygen Desaturation Index; C) Time of desaturation below 90%.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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